Associate Director Special Projects, Design & Construction

Title: Associate Director Special Projects, Design & Construction

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities & Campus Services

Department: Design & Construction Management

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director for Campus Development, the Associate Director of Special Projects, Design and Construction, is responsible for the University's in house design and engineering services mechanism. This position assembles effective design and construction teams and leads those teams on the development of high-quality, durable and sustainable projects. Organizes and manages direct reports for special capital project services. Leads a service minded team to foster successful relationships with end-users including faculty, staff, and University administration. As the subject matter expert for design review, this position organizes design processes, policies and procedures that ensure long term strategic alignment and resource allocation for the University.

Essential Functions

Responsible for goals for a portfolio of projects specific to design review for construction and special projects.

Implements campus planning strategy from inception through implementation for a broad set of projects and initiatives that range in scale and cost. Coordinates and manages multiple technically complex special project activities utilizing outside consultants, including preparation and administration of consultant contracts. Develop, maintain, and communicate cash flow forecast, staffing allocations, budgets, and project schedules for assigned team and all assigned projects.

Maintains strict confidentiality of project plan details including but not limited to budgets, projections, organizational changes and utilization of internal and external resources.

Ensures adherence to state regulations and in compliance with the Massachusetts Taxpayer Protection Act. Ensures proposals and contracts meet university standards and requirements.

Oversees the overall performance, productivity, and outcome of a group of architects, engineers, and related professionals engaged in the planning, design, and construction management of special projects.

Plans for impact mitigation to operational disruptions. Proactively informs MBU stakeholders of building or road closures and timelines and recommends and coordinates solutions including temporary placement of occupants. Major business units include residential life, student dining services, academic affairs, and other units across the University.

Performs cost analysis and implementation for budgets allocated to capital projects, including internal funding sources and investments. Advises, informs and determines plans for requested budgets, including collaboration of funding sources and mechanisms as well as the long-range campus capital planning budget.

Responsible for in-house design and engineering services including project scoping studies, building assessment, test fits, design review and IT planning support.

Develops personnel plans for Design and Construction Management in the staffing of new faculty hires and infrastructure support.

Performs oversight of contract administration for assigned projects; supervises construction engineers and resident engineers.

Serves as a senior University representative in managing and coordinating the University's activities with the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), State Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAM), and other local, state, and federal agencies in the planning, design, and construction of capital projects.

Develops and maintains the design review process that is aligned with the executive review process and in partnership with leadership of Design & Construction Management, Physical Plant, EH&S, OIT, clients & customers.

Assists in the continued development of divisional systems, policies, procedures, and training to provide superior customer service that meets the needs of a diverse campus community.

Coordinates contracted services and construction activities with DCAMM, UMBA, various campus departments, and Physical Plant in order to maximize effectiveness and enhance customer service while minimizing disruption to the campus environment and to surrounding neighborhoods.

Manages performance and productivity of direct reports. Trains and supervises staff to ensure consistent and effective design reviews and quality control. Conducts annual performance evaluations, hires new employees, and provides progressive discipline where appropriate. Represents the Campus Planning department in second step grievances.

Promotes and assures continuous improvement; establishes and maintains productive relationships with a full range of personnel that reflects a strong commitment to customer service. Maintains current knowledge of all applicable regulations and codes regarding state design and construction projects and keeps abreast of industry trends.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Professional degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or related field.

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience with multi-discipline, multi-million-dollar construction projects, including a minimum of three (3) years' experience managing project staff.

Demonstrated excellence in oral, written, and graphic communication, client interaction and public presentations.

Demonstrated ability in the managing of financial information and schedule as related to design and construction projects.

Demonstrated ability in establishing and maintaining productive relationships with a full range of campus and external constituents, including state and local agencies, that reflects a strong commitment to customer service.

Demonstrated ability to identify and implement imaginative solutions to complex problems

Demonstrated experience in word processing and project controls database management systems as related to design and construction.

Working knowledge of project control platforms eBuilder, Prolog or similar.

Working knowledge of scheduling tools, Microsoft Project, P6, or similar.

Thorough knowledge of construction practices, project budget development, scheduling, tracking, and cost control.

Ability to access any portion of a construction/facility site.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, business administration, project management, or related field.

Knowledge and experience in higher education facility planning, design, and construction.

Experience with and working knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) as they pertain to public procurement, design, and construction.

Experience with and working knowledge of the State Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAM) and/or the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA) design and construction statutes, processes, and procedures.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 34

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.